La Liga club speeding up move for Barcelona defender with two exit options on table | OneFootball

Barcelona could be nearing a resolution to one of their lingering squad issues as Atletico Madrid intensify efforts to bring Clement Lenglet to the capital, according to a report from Ruben Uria.

The French defender, currently on loan at Atletico Madrid, is not in Hansi Flick’s plans for next season, and Barcelona are eager to move him off the wage bill.

Atletico’s interest in Lenglet is not new. They have been exploring ways to secure the 29-year-old’s services since a long time.

Their latest approach is centred on a one-year loan deal, but they are also prepared to wait for Barcelona to terminate Lenglet’s contract altogether, hoping to land him on a free transfer.

What is Barcelona’s plan?

Barcelona’s stance is clear that Lenglet has no future at the club, and they are open to letting him go. However, the player’s salary complicates the process.

Atletico Madrid want to sign Clement Lenglet. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Lenglet remains one of the highest earners at Barcelona, a result of deferred payments and legacy contracts from the Josep Maria Bartomeu era.

While Barcelona are eager to eliminate that financial burden, they are not currently inclined to terminate his contract, especially considering the centre-back is still just 29 and coming off a respectable campaign.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are not in a position to absorb Lenglet’s full salary, particularly with their sights set on making a marquee defensive signing this summer.

They see Lenglet as a reliable rotation piece rather than a headline recruit, and for that reason, they want to either secure him on loan or sign him as a free agent, with minimal financial strain.

Talks between Barcelona and Atletico have reportedly been complicated, largely due to the economic conditions surrounding Lenglet’s contract.

While all three parties are said to be open to a resolution, the sticking point remains the wage issue. A key meeting at the end of the season is expected to determine how things proceed.